To the Editor

In September 2012, I was offered an exciting opportunity in Surry County. For years, I have dreamed of living in this area because of the friendly citizens and the beautiful area. I applied for positions at the company I now work for many times in the past, hoping for a chance to settle in this area. I remember, even as a child, looking through my Lineberry family history book and gazing at the photo of Pilot Mountain in hopes of living here someday. The citizens of this area are wonderful, friendly and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. I would have purchased my home in the area years ago, if there had been a better way to commute to Greensboro other than Hwy 52. However, after being here for less than just 2 months now, sadly, I must admit that my feelings have changed dramatically.

As time goes by, our country decays more and evil rears its ugly head everywhere. It’s now evident to me that it certainly hasn’t overlooked Surry County. This past weekend, reality struck and wiped away my peaceful vision of our county when I became it’s next crime victim via a home break-in. What very few belongings I had here were stolen. And that wasn’t much—a small TV to watch the news, my old computer to stay in touch with many friends and colleagues around the country, clothes and some personal items that my husband gave me over the years to show how much he loved me.

While telling my story to co-workers and friends, I have learned that Surry County isn’t as pleasant as the beautiful Douglas Cave prints I have hanging on my walls in Randolph County. Many in this area have been victims of crime and several of them numerous times. When I contacted the sheriff’s department and spoke to the officer, it seemed to me there is a deficit in the law enforcement in this county. As an active TEA party member, I decided to check out the county budget to see what Surry County spends for law enforcement. I was shocked to see how little is spent for property owner’s protection. I understand Surry County has been hit hard with job losses and poverty has risen, but as long as we citizens are forced to pay property taxes for law enforcement, emergency services, fire and schools, we should expect to receive the fundamental protections and services we pay for. It is the first priority of the county to maintain such with our tax dollars…..all else takes a back seat.

In reviewing the budget, I couldn’t help but notice that social services receives more money than the sheriff’s office. It seems that there are some more concerned with a greenway than keeping our citizens safe. I wonder how many officers we have trying to protect us, compared to the number of DSS employees, working for an agency who does more to oppress us. If it’s jobs we want, we can be sure that companies will not move to this area with a high crime and entitlement dependency rate and tax-paying citizens will not move here, knowing that entitlements come before protection.

I would just like to say to the evil person, who lives with no morals or respect for the life of those who are probably subsidizing you: Since you’d rather steal than work, it is time YOU know what a victim feels like. You have messed with the wrong person. I am a strong-willed and will work tirelessly with others to find a way to stop your senseless attacks on property owners. I will become a partner with law enforcement and coordinate with them on educating citizens and helping to protect our neighbors. As a member of the TEA party and many other community groups, and having experience in raising money to help those in need (not those who live of greed), I will find the resources and the way!

It doesn’t matter if you live in a huge house up on a hill or a small camper along the river; a home is made from hard work. It is EARNED and it is worth doing whatever we can to protect it. I can assure you. with my newfound knowledge, I will now become much more involved in the decisions made in my new community and be a regular attendee at our county meetings. I ask that others in the area join me in taking back our communities and watch out for each other. Let’s educate ourselves on teaming up with law enforcement to put an end to the evil lurking around us. This is Surry county…..NOT Chicago.

Janet Spainhour Pate

Pilot Mount